In the heart of Madrid, where narrow streets tell tales of centuries past, lies an area that weaves together the story of Madrid’s 16th-century guilds, a visionary mayor, and one of the city’s most beloved literary characters. Welcome to Pontejos, a district that captures the essence of Madrid’s rich historical tapestry. The Street of the […]
Pontejos: stitching together Madrid’s past and present Read More »
When you hear “Madrid vs. Barcelona,” the first thing that springs to mind is football, but if you look beyond the rivalry on the pitch, the competition between these two cities is equally fierce with residents of both convinced their hometown has the other beat. Having lived here for 12 years, I’m firmly team Madrid
Madrid vs. Barcelona: Beyond Football Read More »
With the rise of remote work, Spain has become a hot destination for digital nomads. For those looking for an exciting urban experience, Madrid and Barcelona are both contenders for the top spot, but the choice can be tricky, as both cities have unique pros and cons. I recently invited Daniel Welsch, author of the
Madrid vs. Barcelona for Digital Nomads Read More »
This particular episode is about the history of violence in Madrid and it was inspired because one of my most popular blog posts is called Gangs of Madrid, Is Madrid a Safe City? The following is a transcript of the podcast. Transcript When I lived in London as a young woman, I used to go
A History of Violence in Madrid Read More »
In the podcast this week, I discuss violence in Madrid and whether Spain’s capital is a safe city or not. Having lived in London, Tokyo, and Madrid, I’ve experienced firsthand how safety varies across major global cities. Each has its own unique challenges and cultural attitudes toward public behaviour, particularly when it comes to drinking
Is Madrid Safe? A Tale of Three Cities Read More »
Madrid’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, and there’s no better guide to the city’s food than Joy, a tour guide and Instagram star who has spent years exploring its markets, restaurants, and tapas bars. I recently interviewed her for my podcast, which you can listen to below but if you’re short on time, here’s a
Madrid for Foodies Read More »
The reality of moving to Madrid can be fraught with stress, so if you’re considering it, it’s great to hear some tips from people who’ve made the switch and come out smiling. Instagram foodie superstar Joy Figueroa is a great example as she’s managed to stay true to her name by maintaining a positive outlook
The Joy of Moving to Madrid Read More »
In Spain, celebrating New Year’s Eve isn’t just about fireworks and festivities. It’s about grapes—12 of them, to be precise, one for each chime from the clock in Sol at midnight. Known as uvas de suerte, or lucky grapes, these bite-sized delights are thought to bring good fortune if you can manage to eat them
Why Spaniards Eat 12 Grapes at New Year Read More »
The bauble-like red berries from the madroño tree emerge right around the time Madrid’s Christmas lights get switched on, making them seasonal but extremely easy to miss against the neon blare. However, if you look carefully you can find them all around the city. And you can certainly spot representations of the tree on everything
Why Is the Madroño Important to Madrid? Read More »
With winter on the horizon, it’s a great time to explore Madrid’s rich literary heritage either with a good book in hand or by roaming the streets of the city’s literary district. In this month’s podcast, I hope to inspire you to just that by diving into the history of Barrio de las Letras (also
Literary Madrid: Barrio de las Letras and The Madrid Review Read More »
